Peyton Manning’s Life After the NFL

In February 2016, one of the best players to ever play in the NFL announced his retirement. Peyton Manning was drafted first overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1998 NFL draft, playing for an illustrious 18-year career that featured four Super Bowl appearances and for two Lombardi rings. Upon his retirement, Manning held the record for most career QB wins, most QB career passing yards, most QB passing yards in a season, most career touchdowns by a QB and the most season touchdowns by a QB, among many other records. The day he retired, there was only one question in everybody’s mind: “What will Peyton Manning do next?”.

Even a year later today, that question remains unanswered. For a quarterback with so much experience such as himself, there are plenty of avenues that Manning can pursue. Will he consider a coaching job? Peyton Manning has first-hand experience with how a former quarterback can make a difference as a general manager or as a coach in an NFL team. Former Bronco quarterback great John Elway came back as the general manager of his former team and helped guide Manning and the Broncos to two Super Bowls within a span of three years. Could Manning follow a similar fate?

Another path that Manning could take is a career in television. Many retired football players find refuge on talk shows as sports analysts. Peyton Manning has become known for his down-to-earth personality, and was also known for being one of the best football minds in the game. The way he took control of his team at the line of scrimmage in regards to play-calling and making audibles after reading opposing defenses was unparalleled. If he followed the path laid by football greats like Troy Aikman and Terry Bradshaw, Peyton Manning could have a prosperous career in television.

For sports fans and non-sports fans alike, Peyton Manning is also known as the guy from the Nationwide commercials, or the Papa John’s commercials. Manning could become a pitchman and maybe even create his own brand. Players across every sport have tried this and made millions of dollars. If Manning looks to ever own a team, he will need to make a lot more money than he has already accumulated and this could be a good start.

If Manning has any plans for his future, he hasn’t indicated it yet. He has spent the past year taking a break from the rigors of football. He has been golfing, fishing, and engaging in other activities with friends, family, and fans. We may not know much about Peyton Manning’s future, but from his storied football family and career, we know that he’s destined for greatness.